Orthopedic fracture hospitalizations are revving up from E-Scooter related injuries

Abstract

IntroductionDue to market expansion of electric-scooter companies, a significant rise of personal e-scooter use in dense, urban communities has been observed. No literature has specifically focused on e-scooter fracture epidemiology and risk factors associated with direct hospital admission. The aims of this study were to evaluate the 1) patterns of e-scooter related orthopaedic fractures 2) risk factors associated with direct hospital admission. Materials and methodsA retrospective review of National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from the United States between 2015 and 2019 was utilized to identify e-scooter fracture epidemiology. Uni/multivariable analyses were conducted to identify independent variables associated with direct hospital admission. Results5,016 patients were identified. The most common fracture location was the upper extremity (25.4%). Multiple distinct fractures diagnoses (p < 0.001), fracture of the upper arm (p = 0.01), metacarpal (p = 0.03), skull(p < 0.001), and associated internal organ injury (p = 0.02) all had a statistical increase over time. Fracture of the upper leg (OR 58.31), lower trunk (OR: 47.04), and associated internal organ damage (OR: 37.82) had the greatest association with direct hospital admission. DiscussionThis study highlights that e-scooter fracture related injuries continue to progress, and without appropriate educational and public health efforts, these injuries will continue to rise.